Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area

The Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area measures about 68,000 acres and is located in southwest Utah – west of St. George.

The area straddles the borders of Arizona and Nevada, providing a natural habitat for a diverse number of animal and plant species.

Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area, Hiking & Camping, Utah

The conservation area is accessible by using Highway 91, but it’s important to mention that vehicular access is restricted to existing roads only. This applies to off-road vehicles as well, as part of the conservation efforts is to reduce the impact in the area.

The Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area is located at the point where the Great Basin meets the Mojave Desert. Consequently, the property favors distinct types of vegetation. The lower areas of the property close to the desert are home to desert shrubs and the Mojave Desert tortoise. The desert bighorn sheep are also found in the low lying areas, while the upper areas of the conservation area feature Joshua trees and black brush.

The upper section of the conservation area gets scarce water, and this explains traces of vegetation found along with a handful of the water channels. This vegetation plays a vital role in the conservation area as it provides an excellent habitat for migrating birds and other wildlife species.

For visitors touring the Beaver Dam Was National Conservation Area, the Joshua Tree National Natural Landmark is a must-visit. Just as the name suggests, this landmark is home to a thousand-acre forest of Joshua trees, with other plant species here including the Utah agave and the barrel cactus.

Adventure-seekers will enjoy hiking in Beaver Dam Wash. The adventure begins off Old Highway 91, with signage along the route. After about five miles, visitors reach Beaver Dam Wash from where the hike begins. This hike presents a unique opportunity to witness the region’s flora and fauna.

Visitors are advised to carry adequate supplies as the environment can be very harsh, and there are no developed facilities on site. For anyone looking for a unique hike, the Beaver Dam Wash National Conservation Area presents an excellent way to escape the city and explore one of Utah’s conserved areas for a fun-filled experience.